HARDSHIP STRESSED: NO SUBSIDY FOR BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 September 1950, Page 7

HARDSHIP STRESSED: NO SUBSIDY FOR BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

[SPECIAL REPORTER]

REEFTON, This Day.—lt was a moss exaggeration, to put it mildly, to say that a bridge which had been since 1908 the only means of access lor settlers, was not necessary and should not be replaced, commented Cr P. J. O’Aegan, at yesterday s meeting of the Inangahua County Council. Advice that it was not considered necessary to replace Betts’ Suspension bridge at Oweka, destroyed m the May flood, and that, therefore, no subsidy would be granted, was received from the Ministry ol Works. Criticising this decision, Cr O Regan said cream was now being brought from the property across a river and up a steep bank. Deciding to make further representations, the council also decided to seek the support of Mr J. B. Kent, M.P. As two mine ropes had been salvaged from Andrews bridge, and the piles were still standing at Betts, Cr O’Regan proposed that the council should consider restoring the bridge itself. He stressed the difficulties facing the settlers, two other bridges having been condemned. A resolution, that urgency be accorded the project and the work be started as early as possible, was carried. _

A grant of £5 was made by the Inangahua County Council yesterday to the Maruia War Memorial Committee and Domain Board, for domain improvements.